EDM, WDM and David Jukes visit Austria Photo © ECC

Cricket Day in Austria got off to an early start with the European Development Manager, World Development Manager, and Tournament Referee for the forthcoming ECC Trophy, David Jukes, arriving by 8:00am to inspect the planned site for Concordia CC in Vienna.

Siva Nadarajah (President CCC) made a formal presentation outlining his vision for the ground which, located alongside a school and walking distance from the underground, was considered to be ideally placed to attract young people living in Vienna.

Robert Sturm, a national team player and youth coach, contributed to the presentation and captured on camera the inspection team walking amongst the knee high grass and later, the EDM conducting the ceremonial dig to start off this exciting project.

Andrew Simpson- Parker (Chairman ACA ) then drove the party out to Seebarn where a youth practice session was being held as part of the Cricket Day festivities. Several members of the Austrian team conducted the practice, in which around 40 local schoolchildren, their teachers and parents participated. On the main ground, an U15 practice match took place under the watchful eye of Walter Blaschke.

A meeting followed with the ECC Trophy organising committee. David Jukes presented the Tournament Referee's brief and a number of matters were clarified in preparation for the forthcoming tournament. The meeting was followed by lunch with Mr Hendler, the deputy Mayor of Seebarn and Kerry Tattersall, the Honorary President of Vienna CC, whose past and ongoing contribution to the growth of cricket in the area was recognised in speeches made by Andrew Simpson-Parker and the EDM. ICC ties and ECC gifts were presented.

The group then returned to the Seebarn ground for the opening ceremony of the second ground at Seebarn. The WDM and Count Wilczek, the landlord who has leased the Seebarn ground to the ACA on a long term lease, cut the ribbon. The ceremony was followed by a match in which Mike Bailey (Statto) opening the batting (for 3 balls) - Mike will be an important member of the organising committee for the ECC Trophy. On the main ground, an open league match was played and the EDM and WDM were interviewed by a local journalist on a variety of aspects relating to the development of cricket in Austria.

The sun had shone brilliantly all day and it was with some reluctance that the ECC party left at around 5pm, with the WDM and David Jukes returning to the UK, and the EDM heading off to Croatia. This was a very worthwhile visit, and it was excellent to see Cricket Day utilized to its fullest, with youngsters, coaches , parents and administrators all involved - congratulations on a successful initiative!